That’s the message the Benalla Homelessness Response Group is delivering ahead of next week’s National Homelessness Week, the theme of which is ‘Homelessness Action Now’.
Dino Gabriel is a member of BHRG and the bishop of the Anglican Church in Benalla.
He said bringing people together to create a collective effort to support those experiencing homelessness in and around Benalla was precisely what members of BHRG had been working on.
“Everyone in Australia is now acutely aware many people in our communities are doing it tough,” Mr Gabriel said.
“Even in Benalla, the cost of living is marginalising people that never thought they would be faced with homelessness, or the threat of it.”
Chair Kate Holmes said BHRG had been fortunate to enter into partnerships and receive support for its activities from several community groups and businesses in the past few months.
“We now have a collection point at Woolworths for Community Care Pack donations,” she said.
“(We have) a storage space at the Uniting Church Presbytery, a fabulous partnership with Benalla Lions and a potential partnership with a local church, which will provide Benalla’s first night shelter.
“(And) we received a generous donation from the Olive Tree Op Shop to fund a ‘Welcome Kitchen’.
Benalla Lions Club president Chris Vaughan said he was proud that Lions decided to partner with BHRG to address an important local issue.
“The hope was that we would be able to use our catering van to distribute meals to those who have no permanent place to live and are unable to prepare meals for themselves,” he said.
“Unfortunately, the van was stolen and damaged.
“But it’s now repaired, and we are getting ready to start a once-a-week dinner service very soon.”
Members of BHRG have also been actively researching homelessness, hunger and hardship responses in north-east Victoria.
“We have been watching local government activities and investigated the efforts of neighbourhood houses in other locations, and there are some exciting and inspirational programs which have been established,” Ms Holmes said.
“One of the most powerful experiences for me has been the opportunity to volunteer with the Wangaratta Night Shelter and see first hand how a community can work together to support our people who are doing it tough and create a space where you can just walk in.”
And this is a key message of the group.
BHRG member Suzie Pearce has been tasked with visiting organisations around the Rose City, to work out what would happen if someone found themselves homeless that night.
“I couldn’t find anyone who said ‘come with me, you are safe now, I will help you’,” she said.
“(So we are) calling for the creation of a community hub with a permanent night shelter, with an open-door policy.”
Ms Holmes said that facility needed to be safe and feel welcoming.
“It needs to be somewhere which can be available any night of the week to support any-one who has found themselves in need,” she said.
“This will take funding and government initiative.
“Homelessness is not just a matter for the state or federal government, it is the moral responsibility of all levels of government, and for our community, to create a culture that looks after each other.
“That takes effort and compassion.
“And I believe the people in our community have that kind of grit and grace to create a safe space for all.
“So, across all levels of government and throughout our community, let’s work together. Let’s take action now.”
Benalla Homelessness Response Group will be holding a community information night at Benalla Library on Wednesday, August 21 from 5.30pm. All are welcome to attend.
If you would like to get involved in this community-led initiative, email benallahomelessnessrg@gmail.com or sign up as a member or volunteer via the Facebook @Benalla Homelessness Response Group — BHRG Inc.
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